Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Saturday secured a seventh term in office following an election overshadowed by violence and an internet shutdown, with African observers warning that arrests and abductions had created a climate of fear.
The Electoral Commission said Museveni, 81, won 71.65 per cent of the vote in Thursday’s poll, amid reports of at least 10 deaths and widespread intimidation of opposition figures and civil society groups. The result extends his four-decade grip on power in the East African nation.
Museveni defeated opposition leader Bobi Wine, 43, who polled 24.72 per cent. Wine, a former musician turned politician, said he went into hiding after security forces raided his home on Friday night. He announced his outright rejection of what he described as fraudulent results and said his wife and other family members remained under house arrest.
Security forces maintained a heavy presence across Kampala, as authorities sought to prevent protests similar to those seen recently in neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania. Police denied raiding Wine’s home, saying instead that they had restricted access in areas considered security hotspots.
Residents near Wine’s residence reported increased security activity, including aerial surveillance, prompting many to leave the area out of fear. Wine, who brands himself the “ghetto president”, accused the government of large-scale ballot stuffing and attacks on his supporters during the internet blackout imposed before the vote.
African election observers said they found no evidence of ballot stuffing but condemned reports of intimidation, arrests and abductions targeting the opposition and civil society. Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan said these actions undermined public trust in the electoral process, while noting that voting day itself was largely peaceful.
Museveni’s ruling National Resistance Movement also built a strong lead in parliamentary races, according to provisional results. Analysts had widely viewed the election as a foregone conclusion, citing Museveni’s firm control of state institutions and the security forces.
Reports of post-election violence persisted, with opposition lawmakers accusing security forces of killing campaign agents. Police disputed the claims, saying clashes occurred after opposition supporters attempted to attack a tally centre and police station.